A sunscreen jacket is a light, full-sleeve jacket made from UPF-rated fabric, worn over your clothes to block the sun on your arms, neck and hands. In India they have become the go-to for two-wheeler riders, women commuters and anyone outdoors in the middle of the day. Here is how to choose one without overpaying.
What to check before you buy a sunscreen jacket
- UPF 50+ rating. UPF 50 means roughly 1/50th of UV gets through the fabric, so about 98% is blocked. Anything lower than UPF 30 is not worth buying for Indian summers.
- Cooling, breathable fabric. The jacket only works if you actually wear it at 1 pm. Look for thin, quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabric that feels cool to touch.
- Hood and thumb loops. The back of the neck and the back of the hands tan fastest on a bike or scooty. A hood and thumb loops cover both.
- Fit you can ride in. A slightly relaxed fit lets air move and stops the sleeves riding up when you hold the handlebar.
- Price that makes sense. Most branded sunscreen jackets in India sell between ₹1,000 and ₹2,500. Paying more does not automatically mean better protection; the UPF rating is what matters.
Typical prices in India (checked 10 October 2026)
| Brand | Listed sale price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| VEYIL Cooling UV Sunscreen Jacket | ₹999 | UPF 50+, ice-touch cooling fabric, hood, thumb loops, unisex |
| Blue Tyga Sunscreen Jacket Pro | ₹1,299 | UPF 50+, hood and mask |
| Fabsports UPF sunscreen jackets | ₹1,299 – ₹1,499 | Separate men's and women's styles |
| Venzina sun protection jackets | from ₹1,311 | Several women's styles |
Prices change often with sales, so check the brand's site on the day you buy.
Who should pick which
Daily bike or scooty riders: go for a hooded jacket with thumb loops and a relaxed fit. The VEYIL jacket was designed around this use.
Car drivers and people who only need arms covered: UPF 50+ arm sleeves are cheaper and easier to carry.
Students and walkers: any light UPF 50+ jacket you are happy to wear every day. The best jacket is the one you will not leave at home.
Sunscreen jacket vs sunscreen cream
Cream wears off with sweat and needs reapplying every two hours. A UPF jacket keeps working as long as you wear it. Most people use both: cream on the face, a jacket for arms, neck and hands.
FAQ
Is a sunscreen jacket hot to wear in summer?
A good one should feel cooler than bare skin in direct sun, because it blocks radiant heat and wicks sweat. Thick polyester windcheaters are a different thing and do feel hot.
Does UPF protection wash out?
UPF fabrics keep their rating through normal washing. Wash cold, skip bleach, and dry in shade.
Are sunscreen jackets unisex?
Many are. VEYIL's jacket is unisex, with Regular, Relaxed and Super Relaxed fits.
What is the cheapest good sunscreen jacket in India?
At ₹999, the VEYIL jacket is among the lowest-priced UPF 50+ jackets from an Indian brand that we found while writing this guide.